St. Joseph's Health Awarded for Excellence in Heart Valve Repair

Recognition as a Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center from the Mitral Foundation shows commitment to best practices, high-quality care for degenerative mitral valve surgery

 

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— (July 14, 2025) Mitral valve repair is one of the most challenging heart operations, but the results for patients with degenerative mitral valve disease can be outstanding, with improved survival and few long-term complications.

 

For the sixth consecutive year, St. Joseph’s Health Hospital has been recognized by the Mitral Foundation for its commitment to this life-enhancing procedure. The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award means patients are assured that experienced surgical teams strive for superior clinical outcomes guided by data-driven oversight from a highly respected health organization.

 

“Receiving the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award again is a testament to the exceptional skill, collaboration, and commitment of our entire heart team at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital. It reflects our ongoing dedication to delivering the highest standard of care in mitral valve surgery and achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients,” said Dr. Charles Lutz, chair of cardiac surgery at St. Joseph’s Health.

 

The award was developed to identify, recognize and promote U.S. medical centers that demonstrate adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines as well as an ongoing commitment to reporting and measuring quality and outcome metrics specific to mitral valve repairs.

 

“Award recipients like St. Joseph’s Health Hospital must meet rigorous outcomes criteria for repair rates, mortality and durability,” says David H. Adams, MD, Professor and Chair of Cardiovascular Surgery at Mount Sinai Health System and President of the Mitral Foundation. “Patients receiving care at a Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award-winning facility can have confidence in their guideline-directed care.”

 

The recommended treatment for degenerative mitral valve disease is mitral valve reconstruction, as opposed to valve replacement with a bioprosthetic or mechanical valve because valve repair is associated with improved survival and fewer long-term complications. Many patients who would benefit from repair receive replacement valves, with higher rates of death or complications within five years after surgery. 

 

“We are pleased to recognize St. Joseph’s Health Hospital for its commitment to patients with degenerative mitral valve disease,” said Robert O. Bonow, MD, professor of cardiology at Northwestern University and past president of the American Heart Association. “Choosing the right hospital for heart surgery is one of the most important health care decisions made by patients and their referring physicians. The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center award identifies hospitals with excellent processes and outcomes and gives patients and cardiologists the information necessary to make these important decisions.”

 

St. Joseph’s has achieved this recognition every year since the program launched in November of 2019.

 

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